The Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs has issued an ultimatum to Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat, demanding the immediate revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Director General (DG) of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
The Council warned that if the government fails to rescind the appointment by 30 July 2026, traditional leaders across the country will initiate customary actions to challenge the decision.
The controversy stems from the recent appointment of Dr Naupa, who is currently based in Australia for six months, while MSG Acting DG Ilan Kiloe oversees daily operations in Port Vila.
The formal letter of concern was addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office on 06 January 2026, where the then Acting President of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, Chief George Bumseng, outlined four key reasons why he believed the post should be held by a male officer.
Chief Bumseng is also chairman of the Malmemeli Ambrym Council of Chiefs.
In his letter to MP Napat, he cited four reasons why a female candidate should not be appointed to the position of MSG DG.
He said that, according to Vanuatu customs and traditional beliefs, only men are entitled to perform certain types of customary ceremonies.
Chief Bumseng said these ceremonies are fundamental to the process of becoming chiefs and customary leaders who represent their tribes.
Chief Bumseng said in his letter that as MSG shortlisted candidates for interviews for the position of MSG DG, it was the Council’s respectful view that the appointment should align with the nation’s traditions. He encouraged the office of the Prime Minister to consider appointing a male candidate to the position.
While acknowledging Dr Naupa’s qualifications, the Ambrym chief said the appointment of a female candidate to the position could risk undermining the respect accorded to customs and traditional values.
Chief Bumseng said the MSG Secretariat has already initiated groundwork for the establishment of the MSG Council of Chiefs, a body envisioned to uphold and safeguard traditional leadership structures in Melanesia.
He said this process is deeply rooted in customary formalities and protocols, which emphasise the role of male chiefs as custodians of tradition. He said appointing a female DG at this stage could risk undermining the cultural legitimacy of the council’s formation.
In a statement released Wednesday, Chief Bumseng said the letter was issued before the appointment of Dr Naupa as the new MSG DG and accused PM Napat of turning a blind eye to the chiefs’ concerns.
Chief Bumseng said the Council maintained that under Vanuatu’s custom (kastom), specific ceremonial obligations and chieftainship protocols are reserved for men.
“While recognising Naupa’s professional qualifications, the chiefs argued that appointing a female candidate to the highest administrative office of the MSG risks undermining the traditional respect accorded to customary values. The Council emphasised that the MSG Secretariat is not merely a bureaucratic body, but a symbolic pillar of Melanesian identity that must reflect customary governance,” he said.
Chief Bumseng said Malvatumauri’s intervention relies heavily on the Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu, which recognises traditional values, customary law and the Council of Chiefs as key advisory pillars on matters of culture and heritage.
“Ignoring the Council’s role risks undermining the constitutional recognition of custom, cultural continuity, and the delicate balance between modern governance and traditional structures.” he said.
Chief Bumseng said that by setting a deadline of 30 July, the chiefs have placed pressure on the government to reconcile regional diplomatic commitments with customary principles.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the PMO, Kiery Manassah, pointed out that the appointment was not a decision made by PM Napat because it was separate from the government.
“The government has never had any say in these appointments. It is a Melanesian institution with its own process,” the PRO said.
Meanwhile, the MSG does not specify any gender requirement for the position of DG of the organisation.
When there is a vacancy in the office, the MSG Secretariat invokes its recruitment process, beginning with the advertisement of the position, followed by shortlisting of candidates and the formal interview process.
Article 14 of the MSG Agreement states: “The Director General shall be appointed by the Leaders’ Summit under such terms and conditions as the Leaders may decide.
